Photo Credit: Expedition 24 Crew, NASA
A few days ago, I wrote an article entitled Keep the Faith. In that article I discussed the importance of not giving up. I wrote how, even though one may have discovered their passion and purpose in life, doubts can creep in and begin to siphon the life right out of you.
Fear can also take the wind out of your sails and if you allow either to get a foot hold in your heart, you may be tempted to throw in the towel and call it quits. As I stated in that article, you must keep your focus on your passion and purpose, and let the fear and doubts starve and die.
Why am I revisiting the topic of that article today? Because the last two days have given me the opportunity to practice those exact principles. It was time for me to "put up or shut up" and thankfully I "put up". I immediately shared my experience with Jenny and a couple of close friends. I was encouraged to share that experience so that perhaps another may be encouraged. Rather than try to recreate the experience, I thought I would share the actual message I sent to my friends immediately after it happened.
It may not even seem like a big deal to you, if not, that's cool. That just probably means you're not in the place, right now, that I was in and therefore are not in need of this encouragement today. Just hold on to it and save it for a rainy day. However, if you are in such a place, maybe you will take heart, be encouraged, and know you're "not the only one".
A "Universe Moment"
"I just had to share this with you! It is 6:45 am as I write this and I just experienced a "Universe Moment"! See, there has been a lot going on in my life lately and my plate stays very full. That's not a complaint, rather, it's just a statement and one I know you could make as well.
Yesterday was a tough day for me and my mind was weary from trying to juggle so much. I went home last night and didn't turn on the computer at all, didn't work out and pretty much "vegged" out for the evening. I did spend some time thinking of my blog and what I wish to accomplish with it. I asked the Universe "Is it really worth it? Is it helping anyone?" Because that's what I want more than any gain for myself, to know that I've really helped someone.
Don't misunderstand, I wasn't considering quitting, just wishing to know that the energy going into it all was helping someone, anyone. I awoke today with these same thoughts. On my one hour commute to work this morning my mind was engaged with this very same thing. Reaching my exit, I toyed with the idea of turning left instead of right, going to Starbucks and continue to think about these things instead of getting to work early. I turned left…
I entered Starbucks and there was a person I know working. I'm not especially close to this person, seldom see them at all in fact. As I walked to the counter she saw me and her face lit up. She said hello and then went on to say 'I went to your Straight Up Living the other day. I was having a really tough day and I found just what I needed! I read stuff and watched the music videos. I loved it! Thank you so much, I really needed that!'
It was all I could do not to laugh and cry with joy at her words. Think, I almost did not make that left turn. I really almost did not! What joy I would have missed if I had not listened to that sweet, subtle voice, that gentle prodding to venture a different direction! I just felt like sharing this with you!"
This experience taught me several things and one of those is what it "feels/sounds like" when that subtle voice is trying to get my attention. (Note to self: It didn't shout!). It makes me wonder how many times in the past I allowed the rushing river of my thoughts to drown out that subtle voice.
Another thing I learned is this: I dearly wanted to know if what I was doing
was influencing another human being in a positive way. That I was helping "someone, anyone". I found out beyond all doubt that indeed, I had helped another, and if that was the only person I ever helped in my lifetime….it's all so worth it!
Don't Quit.
Peace
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